Issue - meetings

To consider the Council’s interim priorities and a request that the Westmorland and Furness Shadow Authority considers the priorities and proposals set out in Appendix 1 to the report in developing the Policy Framework for the new authority.

Summary

The Leader and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder presented a report on the Council Plan and Policy Framework (legacy). The report sought to ensure that during the transition to the establishment of Westmorland and Furness Council, efforts were focused on critical areas of delivery which would be a strong legacy and provide firm foundations on which the new authority can build. Furthermore, the report wished to ensure that the Westmorland and Furness Shadow Authority fully considers the vision and priorities of South Lakeland and its communities in developing its strategy and policy framework.

The report highlighted the method and criteria, which involved a Project Portfolio Management Approach (PPM) which had been adopted in prioritising the Council’s work during the remainder of its existence.

The Leader and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder emphasised a number of key priorities which it had been intended to complete by vesting day. He reminded Members that a number of projects were likely to be handed over to the Westmorland and Furness Council but felt that overall, South Lakeland District Council would leave a long legacy for the future.

The Leader and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder responded to a question raised by Members regarding the pooling of assets and liabilities. He informed Members that work on this matter was ongoing and that arrangements would become clearer as this work progressed. He added that a Section 24 directive would be put in place by the government which would put limitations on spending at all of the authorities involved in the Local Government Reorganisation in Cumbria and emphasised that as progress was made more details would be made clear.

Decision

RESOLVED – That Cabinet:-

(1)   recommends the interim priorities set out in 3.8-3.10 to Council to be approved; and

(2)    recommends that Council requests that the Westmorland and Furness Shadow Authority considers the priorities and proposals set out in Appendix 1 in developing the Policy Framework for the new authority.

Reasons for Decision

This report sets out how South Lakeland can ensure that the Community Priorities set out in the Council Plan are considered in the policy making framework for the new authority.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The Council could take the view that no prioritisation is necessary for the final year of its operation and that the future of Council Plan, Local Plan and Policy framework is a matter for the Shadow Authority on which South Lakeland District Council should take no view. This however would negate much of the work that South Lakeland has done to develop strategic focus. It would deprive the shadow authority of soundly based policy and strategy and many years of experience in working with the people and communities of South Lakeland to promote their interests.